Clarke and Smith fine, Cummins injured

2015 World Cup

Cricket365
March 17, 2015

Australia captain Michael Clarke has confirmed that fast bowler Pat Cummins will not be available for the match against Afghanistan on Wednesday, but that he, Clarke, and batsman Steve Smith were good to go.

Cummins picked up a side strain in the match against New Zealand in Auckland last week, and while it's not overly serious, he will not be risked against the Associate side. All-rounder James Faulkner, on the other hand is back from his own side strain.

Clarke told reporters on Tuesday: "I think at this stage, Pat's unavailable for selection for tomorrow's game."

The Aussies had a bit of a scare in the nets on Tuesday when middle order batsman Smith was struck on the hand. He left the session and put his hand on ice, but later returned to training.

The skipper said: "Smithy got hit on the hand facing a spinner, and he went back in the nets, so I think he’s fine."

Of his own injury troubles, Clarke said he, and his tricky lower back, had recovered from the trip back home and was good to go: "I feel really good, thank you.

"It was a long flight [from Auckland], so the last two days have been really important recovery-wise to make sure, like everyone, we're doing everything we can to be a hundred per cent fit for tomorrow.

"Fortunately, I was able to have a really good training session yesterday as well. I think that was good for my body, and I feel great today.

"So plenty of recovery again this afternoon, and look forward to getting back out there tomorrow."